Free agency updates

Check here for updates from the day, but a few Predators-related news items to report.

Marcel Goc is gone. The forward is on his way to Florida for a three-year, $1.7 million per year contract. It’s almost a $1 million raise for Goc, who made $775,000 in his last contract.

Also, the grievance hearing between the Predators, the NHL and NHLPA has been set for July 8. The issue is whether Nashville submitted its qualifying offers in a timely manner to their restricted free agents.

(Update) Joel Ward has signed with the Washington Capitals. Four years, $12 million. With all due respect to Ward, who plays in all situations and was Nashville’s best forward in the playoffs, that’s a lot of money. Ward scored 10 goals in the regular season last year. Still, good for Ward to parlay that postseason into a big deal. He’s a good guy and a good locker room guy. Entering into that bidding war would have hurt Nashville. That being said, the Predators have been awfully silent today.

(Update 2) The Predators lost two minor leaguers. Defenseman Aaron Johnson and goaltender Mark Dekanich signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Dekanich played 50 minutes in Nashville last season. Johnson spent the entire season in Milwaukee.

We’ll be updating the blog as the day goes on and there’s news to report.